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From my blog, a pic heavy post.
Before: High Street DowntownI thought it'd be interesting to document the current state of what has been designated the Mile on High District or the "before". It seems like one gripe a lot of people have is that High simply doesn't offer many development opportunities for the (hopefully near) future streetcar line. I hope this will show that there is more potential for development than what most think. Though at the same time, that means a lot of land is being either under-utilized or not utilized at all. Spanning a mile with City Center as the epicenter of this new district, it starts from the split in the south to Nationwide Blvd to the north (technically Fulton to Chestnut for exactly one mile). Let's see what it looks like today starting south moving up north. Brace yourself, it ain't pretty.
Fulton & High
South Downtown Gateway.
An attempt at public space.
Mound & High
To the left will be the new courthouse that will be an excellent example of Brutalist architecture (of which there should be a city-wide ban) which will fulfill its function: empty sidewalks, just what we need more of.
Some nice historic buildings that need to be put to use. There are condos available here, I believe.
Main & High
Here you have a bunch of parking with the local dive bar, the Main Bar (they have corndogs!), which looks ugly from this angle.
That's better.
Further up you have some run-down buildings where you can find a shop devoted to wigs. Land value is so high, yet this place has been hanging on for as long as I can remember. That just doesn't add up.
The City Center parking garage with a strip of was used to be a parking lot now in total disrepair and un-utilized.
Rich & High
On the left, more uninspiring stores housed in ugly buildings.
On the right, perhaps the worst example in the country for "greenspace" in an urban area.
Town & High
The renovated Lazarus building. Very nice.
This is what happens when you get cute and think you can throw out centuries of urban-planning just for fun: City Center. Here's the skywalk that will be coming down.
State & High
An urban CVS and some Art Deco.
A centrally-located 5/3 bank and Lifestyle fitness center in a nice, tall building.
Broad & High
Casto did a great job at revamping the major intersection of Downtown.
These could use some help. They look so blah.
Parking across the street.
Gay & High
Like the building on the southwest corner, but the upper floor additions not so much. Next to it is the former Arby's spot where there are condos.
Gay St is without a doubt the best street Downtown in large part because it is the only intact street in all of Downtown (this pic is on Gay facing High, you won't see outdoor seating like this on High Downtown with the exception of High and Broad). And who doesn't like Cafe Brioso?
I can't wait for the development that will come along here once the streetcars are official. In its current state it totally kills pedestrian activity and offers nothing to local residents.
Just before you get to Long, the parking lot next to the Lofts at 106 has to go.
Long & High
The Atlas building, a local architectural gem. While the ad is cool, some quality infill would be much preferred.
Front.
Back.
The Brunson building and the Elevator on the other side. Nothing to complain about here.
Spring & High
On the southern corners of the intersection, a taste of the suburbs Downtown with our own vacant Wendy's and one-story, cheaply built Kinko's.
To the north, the Nationwide offices across from another bland government building.
I hope this demonstrates how important it is for an urban place to be cohesive and how tearing that down for parking makes for instant Cowtown. I think we can imagine just how much better Downtown will be once all those spaces are filled in with quality urban infill.
http://columbus-ite.com/2008/03/27/before-high-street-downtown/
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